The Picky Table

Amber welcomes Andrea Pointer, a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist and founder of Kids Always Kount in Daphne, Alabama. Andrea is an expert on Integrated Listening Systems, a unique listening therapy that uses special equipment and audio to treat a variety of special needs. Listen and learn all about it!

We're turning the tables this week, as Amber talks candidly about her journey with myotonic dystrophy, the muscle disorder that contributed to her first husband's early death. Now that her daughter has been diagnosed with the same disorder, Amber and her family travel to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia to meet with a neurogeneticist and gain additional insight into how this condition could impact her later in life.

Imagine if you learned that your newly born baby has Down Syndrome. It’s something few parents expect or prepare for. This week, Amber talks with three moms who faced that very situation and are now raising amazing children with Down Syndrome.

This week we’re talking about hippotherapy. Not hippopotamuses…horses! Amber talks with Kristye Chastang, a physical therapist who owns Buckaroo Barn in Bay Minette, Alabama. Kristye is a certified therapist in hippotherapy, a unique therapy option that takes place on horseback. Hippotherapy offers movement and assistance that can’t be found elsewhere - and incorporates the fun of riding on a horse.

Are you wondering if your child’s odd behavior is just a quirk or some kind of sensory disorder? This week Amber talks with fellow OT Chelsea Ellis about a wide variety of sensory issues, including how you can spot them and how you can help your kiddo deal with them.

A diagnosis of Spina Bifida took Rick and Lauren Bennett by surprise. At 25 weeks, their daughter Nora underwent an in utero surgery to correct her spinal defect. With incredible candor, heart, and humor, the Bennetts take us through their journey, from learning about Nora’s condition and the intense surgery that saved her life, to their hopes for their daughter’s future.

The second in a two-part series on food allergies, Amber talks with three moms whose kids have significant food allergies. They cover the top eight allergy foods, what to look for on food packaging, and how to replace dangerous ingredients with safe alternatives. If you have a little one with food allergies - or think you might - this podcast is for you.

Food allergies have come to the forefront in recent years. For some, it's just a matter of avoiding one or two problem foods. For others, it's a life-or-death situation that can be set off by just a touch. Amber talks with three moms whose young kids suffer from severe food allergies. They discuss how to cope, what to avoid, and how to prepare your kids for the days ahead.

Maura Coley is an amazing woman! After suffering a spinal injury at age 17 that left her in a wheelchair, she chose to live life to its fullest. Maura raced competitively in college, "lap-packed" Europe, became a speech pathologist, and has a wonderful, thriving family. Most recently, Maura and her husband, Kevin, opened We Rock the Spectrum in Daphne, Alabama, a unique gym that caters to special needs children, as well as typical kids. We know you'll enjoy Maura's inspiring story!

Stephanie Williamson is a counselor who specializes in children and adolescents. This week Amber talks with Stephanie about a variety of mental health issues that affect children, from anxiety to ADHD to oppositional defiance disorder. They discuss when to seek the help of a therapist, what to expect, and what to look for if your child has issues. This episode is a must for anyone with children.

Amber gets deep into the topic of dyslexia with two terrific guests. Hunter Oswalt is a reading specialist and director of Read Write: The Learning Center in Daphne, Alabama. Jennifer Widemire Smith is a blogger who has dyslexia and two children who also have dyslexia. Together, these three discuss myths, struggles, and strategies related to this common but misunderstood diagnosis.

Amber and Candace talk with behavioral therapist Laura Beth Swicord about Individualized Education Programs, or IEPs. Whether you're a parent, therapist, teacher, or administrator, IEPs can be challenging and downright confusing. Learn what the form entails, who's involved at each step, and how you can be an advocate for your child.

The NICU is a challenging environment, whether you are a parent or a practitioner. Tiffany McInnis, a mom of four, spent six grueling months in the NICU after giving birth to premature twins. Candace Raybon, MS, OTR/L, worked for many years as an Occupational Therapist in a NICU ward, caring for these tiny patients. Amber talks with both about the stresses and special circumstances of the NICU.

Blogger Andi Sligh calls herself an "ordinary mom living an extraordinary life." Extraordinary indeed! Andi has a daughter with cerebral palsy and a son with Down syndrome. On her blog, Bringing the Sunshine, Andi chronicles her family's triumphs and challenges, and provides encouragement to others raising children with special needs. In an insightful and intimate conversation, Amber and Andi explore the truth about life with special needs kids.

Amber talks with Michelle Ellison McDaniel and Angel Miller Loewen from the Autism Society of Alabama. They discuss the 2019 Autism Matters Conference happening Monday April 22 and all the services offered by the Autism Society.

Amber delivers four different perspectives on Picky Eating. She interviews Marlee Ann and Claire, two wonderful girls from her picky eating therapy, and their moms, Dee and Amy. The girls provide a first-hand account of living with picky eating preferences and how therapy has helped them try and accept new foods. Their moms discuss the challenges of raising a picky eater, their concerns for the girls' future, and strategies that have helped them expand their food palette. Thanks, Marlee Ann,...

Amber talks with speech therapist Grayson Hill about some of the myths surrounding picky eaters, as well as strategies to help your picky eaters at home. And, find out how Amber learned to love tomato pie!